Unlocking Ikigai: A Pathway to Transformational Coaching

I have recently been continuing my learning about Japanese philosophies and have been reading about Ikigai, which translates roughly to “reason for being”. The concept was made popular globally by the book “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life”, co-authored by Héctor Garcia and Francesc Miralles in 2022. In Japanese, Ikigai is written as 生きがい where "生き" (iki) means "life" and "がい" (gai) means "worth" or "reason".

For the book, the authors interviewed more than 100 elderly residents of Ogimi Village, Okinawa Prefecture, renowned for being a “village of longevity.” One thing that these healthy and active seniors have in common is that each has an ikigai, or something worth living for. “When we asked what their ikigai was, they gave us explicit answers, such as their friends, gardening, and art. Everyone knows what the source of their zest for life is, and is busily engaged in it every day,” says Garcia.

Ikigai represents the intersection of four fundamental elements:

1. What you love (Passion) – The activities, topics or pursuits that bring joy, energy and fulfilment. These are the things that make time feel effortless and create a sense of deep satisfaction.

2. What you are good at (Vocation) – Your talents, skills and strengths that have been developed through experience, learning or natural ability. These are the competencies that allow you to contribute value.

3. What the world needs (Mission) – The impact or contribution that aligns with societal or organisational needs. This reflects how your efforts can serve others, solve problems or create positive change.

4. What you can be paid for (Profession) – The economic aspect of Ikigai, ensuring that your work is financially sustainable and valued in the marketplace.

Ikigai: A Holistic Model for Fulfilment

At the heart of Ikigai lies a harmonious balance between purpose, capability, impact and financial viability. When all four areas align, individuals experience deep fulfilment, clarity, and motivation. However, when one or more areas are missing, challenges arise:

• If you have Passion and Mission but lack Profession and Vocation, you might feel inspired but struggle financially or lack the necessary skills to succeed.

• If you have Profession and Vocation but lack Passion and Mission, you may achieve material success but feel unfulfilled or disconnected from purpose.

• If you have Mission and Profession but lack Passion and Vocation, you might be doing meaningful work but feel drained or unskilled in the process.

• If you have Passion and Vocation but lack Profession and Mission, you may feel joy in your work but struggle to make a sustainable impact.

The true power of Ikigai is that it serves as a roadmap for alignment, guiding individuals toward careers, businesses, and lifestyles that are both meaningful and practical.

The Role of Ikigai in Coaching

As Transformational Coaches, our role is to guide Clients through change in their life — whether career shifts, leadership growth or cultural adaptation. By leveraging Ikigai, we provide a structured yet fluid model that helps Clients:

• Gain clarity on purpose: Many Clients seek transformation without a clear sense of direction. Ikigai acts as a diagnostic tool, helping them articulate what truly matters.

• Navigate career transitions: Aligning professional aspirations with personal fulfilment minimizes burnout and enhances long-term success.

• Enhance resilience and motivation: Understanding their Ikigai enables Clients to embrace challenges with a growth mindset, leading to sustained transformation.

• Drive meaningful impact: Whether in leadership or sales, professionals who align their work with their deeper purpose create more value for their teams and organisations.

While Ikigai is often applied in career coaching, its essence extends far beyond professional life. In Japan, Ikigai is deeply embedded in daily living, contributing to long-term well-being and longevity. Research has shown that people with a strong sense of Ikigai tend to have lower stress levels, greater life satisfaction and a higher sense of resilience.

Conclusion

Transformational Coaching is most effective when it’s deeply personal and actionable. By incorporating Ikigai into coaching practices, we help Clients not only achieve success but also find meaning in their journey.